Today, Sample’s connection to the Nicklaus family is still strong. In his position as director of the Nicklaus Companies in West Palm Beach, Fla., Sample oversees the real estate division.
“We have a fund that I oversee called the Guggenheim Nicklaus Fund,” Sample said. “We invest in projects where Jack has designed the golf course. We have some real estate investments that are not part of that fund in Mexico and Argentina, and I pretty much oversee the day-to-day activities.”
Sample, 39, has been with the real estate division since 2003. For four years prior to that, he had left the company to learn the investment development business, receiving his MBA during that time.
Sample’s father Bob still lives in Springfield, but Rob lives in Wellington, Fla., with his wife of 11 years, Kristina, and their three children: Ally, 9; Matthew, 7; and Charlotte, 4.
Sample has turned himself into a golfer over the years. He even played once with Jack Nicklaus about 10 years ago. His relationship to the Nicklaus family extends well beyond the golf course, however.
“They’re fabulous people,” Sample said. “Take the fame away, and you won’t find a nicer family. They’re just down to earth and sincere.”
As an Ohio State graduate, Sample shares a love of the Buckeyes with the entire Nicklaus family.
“Jack is a huge Ohio State fan,” Sample said. “He goes back to a lot of games. I went to the national championship game with his family in New Orleans against LSU. He can pretty much tell you every player on the team, their number and where they’re from, in football and basketball.”
Sample has been able to turn his 7-year-old son into a big Buckeye fan as well.
“He just dies for Ohio State football,” Sample said. “We have to record the games so he can watch them two or three times.”
Hole of the Week
The 11th hole at Rocky Lakes Golf Course in Springfield is a 224-yard par 3. Although it’s a long par 3, the green is large, so you’ve got a big area at which to aim. However, it’s not an easy green. It has two tiers, and with the size of the green, it might take a long putt from the lower tier to the upper tier, or vice versa, to make par.
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